Ecclesiastes 2 · Grade 4
The Test of Pleasure
Read and Think
The Preacher decided to test pleasure to see if it would satisfy. I said in my heart, Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure; and behold, this also was vanity. He built houses, planted vineyards, made gardens, parks, and pools of water. He gathered silver and gold for himself, and the treasure of kings.
So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind. He also saw that he must leave his work to the man who comes after him, and this grieved him.
Still, he saw a difference: wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness. At the end of the chapter he looks to God. There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God. For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy. The book ends by saying, Fear God, and keep his commandments (12:13).
Show What You Know
What did the Preacher test first?
What did he make to water the forest?
Whom must he leave his work to?
What does wisdom excel?
What does God give to the man who pleases him?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- Still, he saw a difference: excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.
- At the end of the chapter he looks to .
- There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy good in his .
- This also I saw, that it is from the of God.
- For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and .
Think About It
The Preacher had everything, yet called it a chasing after wind. What does that teach you about wanting more things?
Enjoying good in our labor is from the hand of God. How can you thank God for your work or chores?
Memory Verse
“Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.”
Ecclesiastes 2:13 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for wisdom and light. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- What did he find under the sun?
- How can you work hard without worrying about who gets it later?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.